Mile Rock Beach

Lands End in San Francisco is my favorite place in the city to go for a walk or a short run. The Coastal Trail is about a mile and a half long, shaded by cypresses, with scenic 30-mile views of the coast. I’ve been going there for years, but it wasn’t until a few weeks ago when I went off the main trail that I discovered a hidden gem, Mile Rock Beach.

I had walked passed the steps leading down to the beach countless times and had never bothered to check it out. The other day I was feeling very energetic during my morning walk and decided to go down the 237 steps to the rocky enclave.

It was breathtakingly beautiful and mysterious. There was a mist that seemed to rise from the wet soil on the hillside surrounding the beach. I could smell the ocean breeze and feel the power of the waves crashing on the jagged rocks.

From the beach, the path continues up to the Mile Rock lookout. At the top of the cliff there is small labyrinth you can walk or you can just sit and gaze at the amazing views of the Marin County coastline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

If you want to see it for yourself, I recommend you enter the Lands End Coastal Trail through the Merrie Way parking lot off El Camino Del Mar, just up the hill from the Cliff House and the Sutro Baths.